Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) has adopted a new rule in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the federal CARES Act that requires employers to notify their employees of the availability of unemployment insurance upon separation or a reduction of hours.
Prior to the emergency enactment of this new rule in August of 2020, Iowa employers were required to post notices or posters in places readily accessible to employees informing them of their potential rights to unemployment benefits.
This new rule requires personal notice to each employee. The notice must inform the employee that (1) unemployment insurance benefits are available to workers who are unemployed who meet the state’s eligibility requirements, (2) employees may file a claim in the first week that employment stops or work hours were reduced, and (3) that claims may be filed with Iowa Workforce Development at iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov or by telephone at (866)239-0843.
Employees must provide the department with the following information to process the claim:
- Full legal name;
- Social security number;
- Authorization to work;
- Last employer name and address;
- Start and end dates of the employee’s last employment;
- Additional information upon request of the department.
Employers must modify their existing termination procedures to include this important step.
Sample notice from IWD
If you are unsure whether your business’s termination procedures comply with the new rules and regulations that have arisen due to COVID-19, we are here to help! Contact a BrownWinick Attorney in our Employment & Labor Group today.
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